Robert blogs on art, creativity, politics, CSA, religion and culture. Many overlap into multiple categories, like motivational or random favorites. Robert is a life-long artist, writer, musician & actor, a professional creative his entire adult life. Born in 1959 in Detroit, he has lived in New York, New Orleans and currently in Charleston. His commission portraits and fine art are part of over a thousand collections throughout North America. Read his bio.
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All Our Yesterdays
Something got a hold of me and I decided to convert some of the old films I acted in back in my NYC days into DVDs. I made these in the late 80s and they look a bit dusty. They were mostly shot on 16 m and shown at student film festivals. They were the final projects...
Faith vs Fact
There is a deeper knowledge than what can be seen and measured. Faith is a personal experience that can and should be shared. But it cannot be used to manipulate or be imposed on others. This is why we have the separation of church and state enshrined into our...
Alternate Facts and the Alt Right
Alternate Facts Are Now Ubiquitous with the Alt Right Let me start by thanking Mr. Trump. He is actually bringing me closer to my friends and family. Through disagreement and misunderstanding I have had to forge new bonds and explore new meanings of friendship and...
Hate, Love and Anger
"Anyone . . . who thinks I am filled with hatred has no idea what real hatred is" Dylann Roof In a mild, matter of fact voice and demeanor, Dylann Roof talked about hate in his final remarks at his sentencing. Of course, he demonstrated what hatred is in his actions...
A Little Bird Told Me
I think God gave us Bernie (see video below), an imperfect vessel, so we might have a glimpse of what humans might achieve through our own best efforts. This old, kindhearted Jew never really had a chance, but for a brief moment, it seemed perhaps human decency might...
Drawing Through Tears
Tragically, most people are more interested in what Roof is going to say or do. "how is he reacting?" But the real stories are those of the survivors. So today, my focus is really on the amazing people, over 8 witnesses thus far, who are survivors, family and friends,...
Prayer of Redemption
Today was a juxtaposition of shocking evidence that Roof had written another manifesto in prison, drawing Nazi symbols on his shoes, shoes he was wearing in court as recently as this week. This was interspersed between more beautiful and moving testimony about the...
What is Racism and Why Our Society Just Doesn’t Get It
We need to talk about what it means to be a racist. After my stint as courtroom sketch artist on the Dylann Roof trial and the recent election, it seems the definition of racism has evolved. When people's feelings get hurt because someone is suggesting what they are...
Guilty as Charged
The guilt phase of the Dylann Roof trial concluded as well as one might hope to expect: guilty on all 33 counts. As I listened to and drew his video confession and then heard his journal read from beginning to end, I began to understood a few things more clearly. Roof...
CSU Progress Report
I must admit I was a little nervous going in, but my adjunct professorship at Charleston Southern University has been a true pleasure for me. Not only are the Drawing 1 & 2 students eager learners but they are some of the most gentle, fun-loving students I've...
Quick Sketch and Mobile Painting Parties
I did my first Mobile Painting Party, where I packed up all the materials and traveled to a client location where they could painting and party in comfort. It worked out so well, I am now making that option available to others. My painting party experiences are fun,...
Dylann Roof Courtroom Sketches
I spent this past Monday sketching at the Dylann Roof jury selection hearing at the federal court, in Charleston, SC. I will likely be producing more sketches during the upcoming trial as well. It should be noted from the start how cool that in the age of digital...
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Maniscalco Gallery on Facebook
Very excited to get out there with my work next week. I hope you can join Chris, me and over 60 top artists of the southeast. ... See MoreSee Less
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.This wonderful couple of world travelers celebrating their anniversary with a #custom #oilpainting of their trip to #giza. ... See MoreSee Less
A portrait of Natalie painted from life today at Wes Israel's studio. Nice people, wonderful artists. ... See MoreSee Less
Nothing Celebrates the legacy of your children or your grandchildren for their grandchildren, like an oil portrait.
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Two paintings. One a commission portrait of Gedney Howe III. Another an exploration of "Unintended Consequences." Both part of "Identity and Self," an exhibition at Park Circle Gallery, open wed-Sat. Until April 25th! Disappointed my brand of realism is not in vogue at the moment. But I'm aware fashions come and go. I know my art will endure. What do you think? ... See MoreSee Less
A competent portrait of the former president.  ... See MoreSee Less
At a portrait unveiling at Syracuse University on April 14, 2026, Joe Biden jokingly called Board Chair Jeffrey Scruggs to the stage, asking the crowd, “Doesn’t he look like Barack?” Biden quipped that he often mistook Scruggs for Obama. While the audience laughed, some found the moment awkward. The event celebrated Biden’s legacy at his law school alma mater
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